This book, a companion to the authors' Escape from Babel, describes therapy with a number of patients who had defeated numerous clinicians and become "veterans" of the system. Using a flexible approach that emphasizes relationship, hope, and a plan for the future, the authors turn these cases around, setting the clients on a path of independence and health.

The editors of this second edition have created a new and enriched volume that presents the most recent research on what works in therapeutic practice, a thorough analysis of this research, and practical guidance on how a therapist can truly "deliver what works in therapy." It examines the common factors underlying effective psychotherapy and brings the psychotherapist and the client-therapist relationship back into focus as key determinants of psychotherapy outcome.

How can therapists become better at doing what they love, avoid burnout, and prevent client dropout? Respected therapist, trainer, and researcher Barry Duncan asserts that getting better at this work requires therapists to dedicate themselves to two key tasks: obtaining systematic client feedback and taking charge of their own development as a therapist. This book describes his 'Partners for Change Outcome Management System' (PCOMS), which provides systematic feedback from clients, thereby enabling therapists to identify and target clients who aren't responding to traditional treatment before they drop out. Duncan examines the common factors inherent to all successful therapies and details the importance of the therapeutic alliance as the foundation of effective therapy. He encourages therapists to expand their theoretical breadth, think deeply about the lessons they learn from their clients, and integrate these lessons into their performance. Scholarly yet deeply personal, with lively case examples and unfailing good humor, Duncan's work is essential reading for anyone who seeks to rediscover purpose in their work. New to this edition are two chapters, one demonstrating PCOMS with couples, families, and youth and the other presenting how to implement PCOMS on an organizational scale. This book also integrates the author's responses to many thoughtful questions raised by trainees and readers of the last edition.

Every interaction with a young person who is struggling is an opportunity for change. This highly practical guide helps school practitioners find effective solutions to academic and behavioral problems through brief counseling. It shows how to build on the ideas and resources that students, parents, and teachers bring to the intervention process, within an innovative, research-supported, time-limited framework. Extensive case material illustrates the authors' creative approach to building solutions and "busting problems" by putting clients in the driver's seat. Filled with real-world examples from both elementary and secondary settings, the book presents creative strategies for addressing disciplinary problems, poor academic performance, anxiety, compulsive behaviors, and other common difficulties.